Behind the Scenes - Patton Family Photos 2016

When there's twenty-two grandchildren in the family, this doesn't just happen by magic folks:

Here are some treasured behind the scenes: 

But you'd never know things got a little cray cray if I'd never told you. 

Look at these beauts!

 

Little C's Birthday!

Little C,

Or should I say Big C? You surpassed me in height a couple years ago and the last time you went to the doctor you were almost 5'10. You're my man-child baby I guess. :)

For your birthday The Beloved and I secretly bought you tickets to a Jazz vs. Warriors game. Since this was hush, hush we told you we were going to Utah for Little Grandpa's birthday party, which fell over your birthday. You were torn between feeling sorry for yourself, since you wouldn't get to hang out with your friends, and showing support for your great-grandfather. About a week before we were supposed to leave our dog Kathy died. A small piece of your heart withered away. You no longer had your best furry pal and you weren't looking forward to your birthday. The Beloved and I felt we needed to break the news about the Warriors game, and it did the trick. That big smile that I love so much showed up on your face again.  

Since Little Grandpa wasn't really having a party, your birth was celebrated all weekend long. Two nights before your b-day you and The Beloved went to the Warriors game. The Warriors won! Hurrah for Little C! Boo for The Beloved! You were mesmerized. The Beloved said you wouldn't even leave your seat to get ice cream, which is a big deal for a teenage boy. 

The next evening we road TRAX down to temple square with Aunt Ruth's family to see the Christmas lights. They were heavenly. 

During the return ride home you, The Beloved, and Johnnie had a pull up contest. I think The Beloved was declared victorious, but maybe in a few (or like ten) more years you'll have him beat. 

On the actual day of your birthday we went to this cool place called Lowes (not the hardware store, though I do like a good trip there as well.) It has a ninja warrior training strip, indoor trampolines, dodge ball court, bounce houses, etc. Every age was entertained. 

Grandma (or it may have been Aunt Ruth... I can't remember... sorry ladies) made cupcakes and you blew out a candle in your own container of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. You're just the cutest.

Little C - you have not only grown physically this year but spiritually and emotionally. I attribute a portion of it to our move. At your old school I felt like you were literally living amidst Gomorrah. I could see your strength slowly being filed away and we worried about our boy. The Beloved and I felt inspired to move because Heavenly Father knew there was a better place, not even 20 minutes away, where you'd be happy and grow in the gospel. We moved into a ward with 17 deacons. Two of them which almost instantaneously became your best friends. This has changed your life. It was like a burden was lifted and you could just be you. And you my boy, are outstanding.

Everyone raves about your kindness. Adults, teachers, aunts and uncles, always comment on what a considerate, polite young man you are. You're a pretty sweet older brother too. The other day you sat with Moo and drew Sponge Bob pictures together because he needed a little big brother time. You also let Lou sleep in your room at night because he gets nervous in his own. Most 14 year olds would not be cool with this, but you are. (Side note -You are kind of a nervous sleeper yourself so I think it's a benefit to both of you, but I won't tell.)   

You love basketball. It's your favorite. The people you play ball with the most are The Beloved, your dad, and your best friend Dallin. If you could do this all day,everyday you'd be happy. This past week we've been watching the playoffs together. During a Warriors game you disappeared for a moment and then came back downstairs decked in a Golden State hat, jersey, sweats, and bracelet. You wanted them to feel your support. The Beloved has banned you from all Jazz playoff games though, he says you're not allowed to watch anymore because every time you do they start losing. I told him to get an outfit like yours (except Utah Jazz-ish) and maybe they'd start winning. :) 

Last year you didn't make the school basketball team. Your young men's leader, Brother Hedgpeth, told me he'd been a little worried about you after you didn't make the cuts. He then said he'd stopped worrying when he saw you outside the house practicing the very next day, not giving up. And guess what? You made the team this year. Everyday, through your diligence, you get better and better. Now all we have to do is apply this principle to math. :) 

You're an extremely bright boy Little C. You typically get excellent grades in English and are quite the poet. You enjoy science and when you grow up you want to be a marine biologist. I know you can do whatever you put your mind to. 

And amidst all of these wonderful things, you're a stinker. A funny stinker. Who makes me laugh even when I shouldn't. The Beloved and I are your Sunday school teachers and  we enjoy seeing your humorous side and your spiritual side in class. You're a good kid bud. A blessing and a gift. I couldn't love you more!

Love,

Mom            

Nike shirt from Grandma and Grandpa and a bop it! game from the Wahlquist's. 

Playing his new game with his younger cousins.

At Lowe's

Riding TRAX

Temple Square

Headed back...

The Beloved and Moo

More Lowe's (sorry, pictures are out of order)

Johnnie

Olivia

Little C

Ellie

Moo, Ruckus, and Grace

Sweetrotten

Lou

Sponge Bob pictures (I love it!)

Yours: 

Moo's:

And this is the face you'd give me every time I asked if you'd loved the Warriors game (because I wouldn't stop asking). You'd say, Mom I  loved it "this much" and you'd do the look. 

See, you're funny.

Love ya dude!